Student Attendance and Excused Absence Policy

Attendance Recording

The Foundation Institute understands that certain circumstances may be beyond your control, but we also emphasize that you must attend all class sessions and related activities for your registered courses. Students must sign an attendance sheet in class, which the teacher then records on EduWave, which is updated daily. The Foundation Institute has a statutory obligation to accurately record student attendance in all classes and lectures, in line with the University of Nizwa’s pastoral care and health and safety commitments.

Absenteeism and Warning Notices

Eduwave automatically issues warning notices based your attendance. Notifications are sent to you, your guardian, instructor, Deanship of Records and Registration, and Deanship of Student Affairs and Society Services. Warning notices are issued at the following thresholds:

• 5% of contact hours missed (Warning 1)
• 10% of contact hours missed (Warning 2)
• 15% of contact hours missed (Warning 3)
•  “Barred from Exam” notice at 25% of contact hours missed, where you will not be allowed to sit for your final exam (Warning 4).

The attendance policy is also outlined in the Teaching and Assessment Plan (T&APlan).

Excused Absences

You must apply for an excused absence, where you are required to present an original, authentic document as proof. Excused absences requiring supporting documentation are classified below:

Important Notes:

• Sick leave must be verified by a healthcare institution and clearly state the nature of the illness and the period needed for recuperation.
• Sick leaves issued by private clinics must be stamped by the nearest health centre or the regional Directorate of Health.
• Hospital attendance certificates from wither government or private hospitals are classified as non-medical excuses and are approved through the Centre for Social Welfare.
• All excuses must be submitted through the portal link provided above. No excuses submitted via email will be accepted or considered.
• Any falsification of documents will be dealt with in accordance with the University’s disciplinary rules and regulations.

Impact of Absence on Academic Performance

Students must understand that continued absences will negatively affect their academic performance. Regular attendance is crucial for staying on track with coursework and achieving academic success. Missing classes not only hinders your understanding of the material but also means you will need to catch up on work while managing an already tight schedule. This can lead to increased stress and further academic challenges. Therefore, it is essential to attend all classes regularly to ensure you stay on top of your studies and maintain good academic standing.